Alex Van Halen and Steve Lukather: A New Musical Journey Awaits
In an exciting revelation, Alex Van Halen has announced plans to collaborate with renowned guitarist Steve Lukather on a fresh album. This partnership is especially poignant, as Lukather has been a close friend of both Alex and his late brother, Eddie van Halen.
During a conversation with Iron MaidenS drummer,Nicko McBrain,on the Metal Sticks podcast,Van Halen shared limited details about the upcoming project. ”I’m gearing up to create this record with Lukather and a few other talented individuals,” he expressed. “It promises to be an exhilarating experience.”
Embracing Spontaneity in the Studio
When asked about rehearsal plans, Van Halen chuckled, stating, “No, we don’t need to rehearse.” He emphasized the importance of spontaneity in their creative process. “There’s a lot to be said for that. Much of our studio work was built on improvisation.Eddie would play, and we’d capture snippets, then expand on those ideas to craft a full song. Just like Beethoven, who composed entire symphonies from small fragments,” he noted, even breaking into a rendition of Beethoven’s iconic Fifth Symphony.
A Deep-rooted Friendship
Van Halen also reflected on his enduring friendship with Lukather.”In this industry, relationships extend beyond mere contractual obligations. We engage in this work because we share a passion for creativity. When contracts become overly detailed about roles, the magic often fades. That’s been our experience,” he explained.
“Lukather has been a true friend for many years. He’s one of the few genuine friends I have in this business,” he added, highlighting the depth of their bond.
Looking Back on a Collaborative History
This declaration marks the first time Van Halen has discussed his collaboration with Lukather in nearly a year.Last March, he revealed plans to work with Lukather on an album featuring tracks derived from Eddie Van Halen’s unfinished demos. “Eddie and Steve were very close, often collaborating together. No one else can navigate this process with me quite like he can,” Van Halen shared with the Dutch publication De Telegraaf.
In response, Lukather clarified his role in the project, stating, “I will not be playing any guitar on a Van Halen track. Al has asked me to assist in sorting through a wealth of unfinished recordings that Al and Ed created but never released. That’s all I can share for now.”
A Legacy of Collaboration
Lukather and eddie Van Halen first collaborated in the 1980s, notably on Michael Jackson’s hit “Beat It,” where Eddie contributed the iconic guitar solo at Quincy Jones’ request. Additionally, Eddie played bass on a track from Lukather’s 1989 solo debut and lent his talents to a song on Lukather’s 2003 holiday album, SantaMental.
“I feel incredibly honored to have been a true friend of Ed’s-not just a casual acquaintance who shared a drink with him once. Our friendship spans over 40 years,involving Al,Ed,and me,” Lukather expressed in an interview with Metal Master Kingdom.
